Archives
Aliens with Extraordinary Ability (EB-1)
What is an Alien with Extraordinary Ability? Considered a first-preference employment-based immigration category, a foreign national who is able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim may be eligible. On January 21, 2022, Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced that the agency is clarifying […]
National Interest Waiver NIW
What is a National Interest Waiver (NIW)? A National Interest Waiver is a method of obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. without having an employer as a sponsor and without having to file a labor certification with the Department of Labor. Thus, those seeking a NIW may self-petition. The Biden Administration recently updated […]
AILA Information on Naturalization
AILA Overview of the Naturalization Process and basic requirements Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident applies for and is granted U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizenship is a legal status that offers many benefits and responsibilities, including the ability to vote in U.S. federal elections, serve on a jury, travel with a U.S. passport, and […]
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)? Employment authorization makes it permissible for a Foreign National in applicable categories to be employed for a certain time frame in the U.S. An EAD is evidence the foreign national is allowed to work throughout a specific time period. REQUIREMENTS You will need to apply for an EAD […]
Consular Processing
What is Consular Processing? Consular processing is one of two paths to lawful permanent residency, generally for those who are outside the United States. Instead of applying for a green card with USCIS, a Foreign National living outside the U.S. may apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad in order […]
Adjustment of Status (“AOS”)
What is Adjustment of Status (“AOS”)? AOS is the process that is used to apply for lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) status while inside the U.S., also known as applying for a Green Card. Being a Legal Permanent Resident, or having a Green Card, allows a Foreign National to a live and work permanently in the […]
Labor Certification (“PERM”)
What is a Labor Certification (“PERM”)? A permanent labor certification issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to permanently work in the United States based on job skills, education and/or experience. The labor certification application is the first step in obtaining an employment-based green card (immigrant […]
Green Cards Validity Extended to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals
Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), or colloquially known as “Green Card Holders”, can breathe a little easier when it comes to extending or renewing their Permanent Resident Cards. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the validity of a Green Card to 24 months for LPRs who properly file Form I-90, Application to […]